KANSAS CITY - One of the biggest, most disruptive MoDOT initiatives in our District's history wraps up this week as elements of I-35 southwest of the Downtown Loop are restored to full capacity.

Since last April, MoDOT and Kansas City, Mo. contractors have torn up, repaired, replaced or redecked 18 bridges in every corner of Downtown Kansas City.

"Traffic capacity was cut in half in an already heavily congested area, it was absolutely necessary so that we could finish in one season," said MoDOT District Engineer Dan Niec.

MoDOT, its partners and transportation advocates met early Monday at the foot of the Kansas City Scout to celebrate the completion of work and highlight options vital to ensure a healthy transportation system well into the future. Those options can include street cars, regional rapid rail, bus transit, bicycle and pedestrian accommodation and other tools to improve transportation efficiency. The partnership of KDOT and MoDOT that has brought more than a decade of the Kansas City Scout intelligent transportation system to the metropolitan region is just one of many ways to deliver congestion relief.

After nearly a year of gathering public input, Missourians have told MoDOT to take care of existing roads and bridges, continue to make transportation safer, support economic development and invest in all forms of transportation. MoDOT and its partners continue in that direction, with the help of Mid-America Regional Council, to plan a vital transportation future.